Newborn Kitten Takes an Unexpected 76-Mile Road Trip Inside a Car’s Engine Bay 

A newborn kitten in Texas has survived the kind of road trip that definitely wasn’t included in the driver’s itinerary. The tiny stowaway apparently traveled approximately 76 miles tucked inside a car’s engine bay before anyone realized there was an extra passenger on board. From the looks of things, this particular cat had no interest in traveling by paw.

According to the City of Kerrville and UPI, the kitten was discovered after a Peterson Health employee arrived at work in Kerrville following a drive from Rocksprings, Texas. Staff found the newborn hiding inside the engine compartment and called for help getting her out safely.

Hospital workers, Kerrville Animal Control Officer James Lee, and rescue group Kerrville Pets Alive teamed up for the extraction. Staff ultimately had to remove the vehicle’s front grille to reach the kitten, who somehow emerged from her accidental interstate adventure safely.

She Really Picked the Worst Seat in the Car

Considering where this wandering cat had chosen to travel, getting her out wasn’t exactly as simple as opening a car door.

Once hospital staff removed the grille, rescuers were able to reach the kitten and hand her over to Kerrville Pets Alive. The organization said she would be paired with a nursing mother while in its care.

Thankfully, the tiny hitchhiker appears to have traded the engine bay for significantly better accommodations. Kerrville Pets Alive later said she was “safe, warm, snuggled up in our care and has a full belly.”

That’s quite the upgrade from spending 76 miles surrounded by car parts.

At Least This Road Trip Had a Happy Ending

Exactly when the viral mischievous kitten climbed into the vehicle isn’t clear, but she apparently managed to stay hidden throughout the journey from Rocksprings to Kerrville. 

For something small enough to need a nursing mother, that’s one remarkably ambitious first road trip. It also took a small rescue team to save the day, with hospital employees, animal control, and Kerrville Pets Alive all helping get her somewhere considerably safer than her method of travel. 

There are easier ways to score a free ride, but apparently nobody told this kitten. After surviving 76 miles in an engine bay after likely being a few days old, this little feline already has an impressive travel resume. Her next vacation should probably be an all-inclusive stay somewhere with blankets, milk, and absolutely no mileage.

Have a tip we should know? [email protected]